Do you buy books from second-hand bookstores? I do.
There’s always something to find in them, well, at least for me. I’ve seen signatures, underlined sentences, highlights, and even the occasional “Great book!” scribbled on one of the pages. In one of the books I bought, there was a boarding pass tuck between the pages. I’m guessing it was used as a bookmark. Unless the owner has left a clue for the next owner (me)? Hmmm…
My problem with second-hand bookstores is that I tend to spend too much time in them. I can stay there for an hour (or more) just to find books. Okay, so it’s not really a big problem because I do like being there. I love looking at the books, especially the tattered and worn-out ones. I’ve always believed the creases on the spine are always a good indication that someone enjoyed reading it.
People dispose of books for many reasons. Some may not like hoarding the books they buy because it takes up too much space inside their homes, some may not like it and thought of giving it away instead of throwing it away… But I’d like to think that these books are in second-hand bookstores because a previous reader wants to share the book with anyone who can find it. I think it’s wonderful when you get to hold one of those books that have been held and owned by another person. It’s like passing along a message or a book recommendation.
Do you purchase books from secondhand bookstores, or do you prefer new books?
The Five-Eyed Bookworm 